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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

The Inimitable Mr Garner in Top FormNov. 10 2009

By
J Scott Morrison
- Published on Amazon.com

This DVD presents two concerts Erroll Garner played, with his side men bassist Eddie Calhoun and drummer Kelly Martin, in Belgium in 1963 and Sweden 1964. It is filmed in black & white and in mono, but beautifully. Sound is terrific and the videography focuses hugely on Garner's beatific face and his amazing hands. It's like sitting right up front. Wonderful!

I needn't say anything that hasn't already been said about Garner's artistry. He was, for me, the most amazing jazz pianist I ever encountered. I spent a long time trying to imitate his style, with absolutely no success.

Amazon has not listed the program. It is:

Belgium:Erroll's ThemeA Get a Kick Out of YouFly Me to the MoonIt Might as Well Be SpringMisty (Thank you, Mr Garner, for writing this tune!)Where or WhenThanks for the Memories

Sweden:Erroll's ThemeWhen Your Lover Has GoneFly Me to the MoonMambo ErrollMy Funny ValentineOne-Note SambaWhere or WhenThanks for the MemoriesErroll's Theme

Each concert lasts about thirty minutes for a total of 60 minutes. There is a nice 20-page booklet that contains extensive and very informative liner notes by John Murph, a center section of reproductions of photos and album covers and the like of Garner.

This DVD is self-recommending. If you like Garner, you'll want to own it.

Scott Morrison

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

Erroll Garner the Genius & the Joy of CreationNov. 5 2009

By
Jazz Pianist
- Published on Amazon.com

Verified Purchase

Erroll is featured here in brilliant form in these two superb European concerts from the 1960's. The photography and sound quality are first rate, and the music is a joy from start to finish. Erroll's piano playing is truly astounding and confounding, and it's easy to see here how he inspired one English fan to say to him, breathlessly, after one of his London concerts, "Mr. Garner! Mr. Garner! What you're doing just can't be done!!!!" Highest recommendation.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

Happy Genius At WorkDec 17 2009

By
Tym S.
- Published on Amazon.com

Errol Garner, the pianist composer of the eternal "Misty", gets some serious spotlight on this terrific DVD, containing two concerts from his best years.

Garner can't keep his good humor inside, beaming as he casually rattles off stunningly complex jelly rolls, swing boogies, and baroque cascades. Listen close and you can hear his percussive growls as he cajoles the keyboard into startlingly dynamic sounds. It's a truly orchestral approach that turns each pop ditty into a spectral landscape. His legendary intros are so rich and inspired they become dazzling compositions in themselves. It's beyond belief that his vast palette was learned totally by ear, without learning any notation. Instead Garner vibes directly off the audience, taking his pleasure in reading their responses as he happily surveys the room. And happy is the operative word. Errol looks like he's having the time of his life playing for these folks, and you'll be glad you were there to see it, too.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Essential for Garner fansMay 24 2013

By
Mike Tarrani
- Published on Amazon.com

I have a large collection of Erroll's albums, so seeing him in action is a treat. I love the camera word, and even the fact that the two performances - one month apart - were shot in black and white. The Belgium performance was recorded in December 1963 and the Sweden gig in January 1964. The contrasts and shadings captured by the camera are nearly as beautiful as the music itself.

J Scott Morrison's very helpful November 10, 2009 review provides the set list for each performance, and my own inadequate words cannot begin to convey the music. I will say, though, that I enjoyed studying Eddie Calhoun on bass and Kelly Martin on drums. In fact, the way they locked in and supported Erroll is like getting an advanced lesson in jazz performance, and as a drummer I gained a lot of interesting ideas from Martin's very tasteful drumming.

If you are an Erroll Garner fan this is a wonderful video of him in action. If you are a jazz musician the playing by the entire trio is both inspiring and a learning experience. And if you are a pianist I am sure this can be both exhilarating and humbling. Another video I highly recommend is Erroll Garner - In Performance that was shot for BBC's Jazz 625 later in 1964. It is as enjoyable (and inspiring) as this one.

Mr. MistyJan. 29 2014

By
David T. Kirby
- Published on Amazon.com

Verified Purchase

When I hear the song or recall the Clint Eastwood film it's tough not to remember the gentle jazz giant who flawlessly performed it. Now it's available for us all to re-enjoy and/or introduce to younger generations who have never heard anything beside an amplified guitar. And what a wonderful body of work Mr. Garner offers beyond his signature song. Standards such as I Get A Kick Out of You, Fly Me To The Moon, Sweet and Lovely, It Might As Well Be Spring, Where or When, Thanks for the Memories, Where Your Lover Has Gone, Mambo Erroll, My Funny Valentine, One- Not Samba. Truly romantic jazz from a master keyboardist accompanied by bassist Eddie Calhoun and drummer Kelly Martin. B& W. 60 minutes.